Bakersfield Arby’s on Rosedale Closed for Rodent Infestation

Kern County officials have closed an Arby’s outlet at 8920 Rosedale Highway in Bakersfield, California for rodent infestation. The restaurant received a score of 69%, which is a failing grade, for poor food handling practices and overall poor food establishment maintenance and sanitation. A complaint from the public triggered the latest inspection.

The environmental health permit is suspended and a notice of closure is posted until the permit is reestablished. The restaurant must have a score of at least 80% before it can reopen. The inspection that forced the closure took place on June 29, 2016.

The major violation is “Severe vermin infestation.” Inspectors observed rodent droppings on the floor and boxes of soda syrup and other food related equipment in the dried storage area. They also found multiple rodent droppings next to drink carriers at the drive through area, and multiple rodent droppings in ceiling panels.

An inspection report at the same establishment filed on June 22, 2016 noted that a previous inspection on June 16, 2016 found rodent droppings in dried storage, on food contact surfaces, shelves, and cabinets behind the cash register. The facility was closed then as well, but corrected that violation.

The Kern Golden Empire reported that they found a “gross accumulation of debris on the floor below the ice maker.” The report also stated that the facility “repeatedly failed to demonstrate basic food safety principles and sanitation.”